What is secondhand smoke?

Secondhand smoke is composed of sidestream smoke (the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette) and exhaled mainstream smoke (the smoke exhaled by the smoker). Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals. When nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke, they inhale many of the same cancer-causing chemicals that smokers inhale.

What ingredients are found in cigarettes?

Nicotine is an addictive drug found naturally in tobacco. Other chemicals in tobacco plants may come from fertilizers or insecticides used in the growing process or from contaminants in air, soil, or water. Some chemicals are added when tobacco is cured; others are added in the manufacturing process.

Hundreds of ingredients are used in manufacturing cigarettes to make them more acceptable to the consumer. Additives make cigarettes milder and easier to inhale, improve taste, prolong burning, and increase shelf life. Laboratory analyses have shown that tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals. Of these, at least 250 are toxic and more than 60 are known carcinogens (cancer causing).

I only light smoke or social smoke, what are my risks of developing cancer?

Some people believe that smoking only in social situations or smoking only a few cigarettes a day is not harmful. Although health risks related to smoking increase with the amount smoked and the length of time a person smokes, there is no safe amount to smoke.

Is there a safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke?

There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke: even small amounts of secondhand smoke exposure can be harmful to people's health. A smoke-free environment is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.

Is it safer to use smokeless or chewing tobacco?

Smokeless tobacco products are not a safe replacement for smoking. These products have significant health risks. All tobacco products contain the highly addictive drug called nicotine. Smokeless tobacco products generally deliver more nicotine than cigarettes. The use of these products can lead to nicotine addiction and dependence. Youth who use smokeless tobacco also are more likely to become cigarette smokers.

Smokeless tobacco contains more than 25 cancer-causing compounds, including arsenic and formaldehyde. People who use these products have an increased risk of developing cancers of the mouth and throat.

All questions and answers were found on the Center for Disease Control website.

What is the Substance Abuse Prevention System?

As the name indicates, the main purpose of the Substance Abuse Prevention System (SAPS) is prevention! Prevention can take many forms in a community including educating the community on the dangers of binge drinking, drinking and driving, abusing prescription drugs, and/or underage drinking. Our coalition gathers solely for the purpose of heading such problems off at the pass, and making a difference before risky behavior occurs. Our team is made up of 25 diverse and dedicated individuals who are committed to making a difference. The group assembles multiple times each month to assess the issues within the community, discuss the community's capacity for change, plan programs that address the issues, implement those programs, and then evaluate the progress.

What does prevention look like in a community?

Prevention is simple, inexpensive, and highly effective. When communities pull together for the greater good, it is amazing what can happen! Anyone can affect positive change, and it is up to us to create the positive changes we want to see in our community. Programming can take many different shapes. A few examples are: prescription drug collections, educational media campaigns, high school and college alcohol education programs, responsible alcohol and tobacco sales training, town hall meetings, and much more.

Do you offer substance abuse treatment?

No, although we respect and admire the treatment programs and facilities in our community, our work is much different. Instead of treating problems that already exist, we diligently work to prevent the problems from occurring in the first place.

What kinds of kids are involved in this program?

Youth in Community Connections Mentoring are referred to as kids who need a little extra love. Don't we all! Our youths' backgrounds are as varied as you can imagine. Some youth come from very structured homes where perhaps a grandparent has passed away and the child misses that connection, homes with single parents or homes that are more chaotic and unreliable.

Can we meet on the weekends?

You bet! You can meet any time that works for you and for the youth's family. If that is lunch on Wednesday, all afternoon Saturday, or Tuesday evenings, it doesn't matter as long as it works for you.

How much time is involved in being a mentor?

We ask our mentors to spend four to eight hours each month with a youth for a period of one year.

What if I start mentoring and don't enjoy it?

Eighty percent of mentors would recommend mentoring to a friend. To ensure a successful program, we encourage participation in our group activities so that mentors can observe the dynamic of the group and the youth before making a commitment to spend time with one child. A one-year commitment is important, as research shows a shorter relationship can actually be detrimental to the youth. So if you observe the group and don't feel comfortable, mentoring might not be right for you.

Where do you meet with a youth?

Community Connections offers a community-based mentoring program with the flexibility of meeting at any of your favorite locations throughout Lincoln County. You can meet in many places such as your home or public hangouts like Cody Park. In addition, the program provides pairs with free passes to the North Platte Rec Center and the North Platte Area Children's Museum.

Can I include my kids/grandchildren in our time together?

Yes, as long as you also have an opportunity each month to meet one-on-one. Part of the program's mission is to enhance social and communication skills in youth. A successful way to do that is interacting with positive peers as well as seeing you interact with a family member.

How flexible is the time commitment?

The four to eight hours each month can be accomplished all in one afternoon, an hour or two each week, or a few hours every other week.

Do you pick the youth for me? How are we matched?

You are an essential part of the matching process. We like our mentors to attend group activities where we can point out youth who do not have mentors. We encourage you to interact with them in a group setting to see how your personalities match. If you enjoy the youth, we discuss the family's expectations and offer a little background information to do our best to make sure the match will be a success.

What are the 40 Developmental Assets?

The 40 Developmental Assets are common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make. For a complete list of the 40 Developmental Assets visit: http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets/lists.

How can my child join an Assets Team?

At the beginning of each school year, the Youth Program Coordinator meets with sixth, seventh and eighth grade teachers and administrators to select students to be a part of the program. In order to build solid relationships, the students stay with the same Assets Team until the end of eighth grade.

How can I build Assets in the youth in my life?

There are numerous ways to encourage asset building in youth.  Visit the Search Institute webpage below for ideas:   http://www.search-institute.org/everyones-asset-builder.

How do I join CREW?

If you are in grades 9-12, and have a willingness to affect positive change in our community, all while having fun, CREW is for you. You can join by simply contacting the Youth Program Coordinator for more information. We will then send you a schedule of meeting and event dates/times. You can reach the Youth Program Coordinator by e-mail at ypc@communityconnectionslc.org or by phone at 308.696.3357.

What kinds of community projects does CREW do?

CREW has been involved in community efforts such as sandbagging, monthly trash walks at Lake Maloney, “Adopt-A-Room” at the Rape and Domestic Abuse Shelter, preparing meals for families in need, and they partner to raise funds for the American Cancer Society during the annual Relay for Life.

CREW also takes time out to have fun as a group. Kayaking, rock climbing, and an Odyssey Ropes Course are just a few things CREW members have enjoyed.

How do I find theLINC?